2014-2015 Executive Team from left to right: Elizabeth Hart ('15, an anthropology
major from Cumberland, Maine), Heather Skinner ('16, a biochemistry and molecular
biology major from Scotts, Michigan), and Wendy Kuzmishin ('16, a biochemistry & molecular
biology major Akron, Ohio).

Cross-Cultural Connections (C3)

The C3: Cross-Cultural Connections Program is an organization with a campus wide initiative
to provide a meaningful life-time experience for students by broadening their understanding
of other cultures and global issues. It serves as an invaluable resource for students
of all backgrounds to come together in a safe environment to address the challenges
and obstacles that we face as a community. C3 also celebrates the unique talents and
experiences that we all bring as global citizens. Through weekly programs, both self-supported
and in cooperation with other on- and off-campus organizations, C3 strives to present
information in a friendly, interactive setting that encourages questions and sharing
of experiences, while supporting and empowering each other to make change.

Program Goals

To enhance cultural competency, cross-cultural perspectives, and global understanding
for C3 participants and the greater college community

To develop and implement programming that puts theory into practice

To develop a community of learners outside the traditional classroom

Program Requirements

C3 members commit each semester to attending at least 10 hours of Intercultural Development,
5 hours of C3 workshops, 10 hours of Community Service and Outreach, and 5 hours of
C3 Community Building.

In 2013-2014, 93 members of the C3 Program engaged in over 1,000 hours of out-of-classroom
education and service: Intercultural Development—502 hours; Community Service & Outreach—207
hours; and C3 Workshops—273 hours.

2014 - 2015 Team

Students actively design and implement much of the programming, which is coordinated
by the C3 Student Executive Team. Team members register for IDPT 407: Diversity and
Global Engagement Practicum and receive 0.5 credit each semester for their contributions
to the program.

The team works with the C3 Program Assistant and the CDGE Director to implement C3
programming goals; study cultural competency education; and hone leadership, writing,
speaking, and critical/creative thinking skills.

Why Do Students Apply to C3?

There are many reasons why students want to be part of C3, but according to their
applications for the past two years, these are the Top 9. Numbers after each identify
the number of students who submitted the response.

Gain "a new sense of humility"; learn from others with different cultural experiences
(76); share diverse experiences (34); meet people with intercultural interests (27);
make new friends (26); ease transition from study abroad to the Wooster campus, and
express one's cultural identity (23); grow/change as a person (20); develop collaboration
skills, and build and become part of a strong community (17); broaden knowledge about
controversial and social justice issues (16); and develop communication skills (14).